Cleaning a car on location

[PhantomPH]

I've had a search but found nothing, so apologies if this is an eye-roller.

My car will be being used in a photoshoot at some point in the next few weeks (exact time triggered by weather/sky/environment conditions to get the right effect), but of course that means that I never know when I need to clean the car - not withstanding the fact that by the time I get to any location, it's probably going to be grubby again!

The finish does not have to be showroom perfect, but can anyone recommend the best way to clean the car on location? Is there a spray product and some microfibre cloths I should be picking up, for example?

I don't want to trash my paintwork, so will obviously be careful - any suggestions?

Cheers!

[JakeT]

Before give it a wash, polish, and wax. I tend to use Autoglym rapid detailer and a microfibre cloth to remove small amounts of dirt. Can get away with just that in the summer months if it doesn't rain.

[swisstoni]

If it's only going to be dust you are removing then 'detailer spray' was originally developed for this very purpose - to spruce up show cars on arrival.

For a wash there is Optimum No Rinse which is designed to use a minimum of water and (as you might guess) not require rinsing off, but just towelled dry.

[iguana]

Cleaned & minty fresh then plonked in an enclosed car transporter, I do a fair few deliveries of this sort of thing for work.

[PhantomPH]

Good tips, thanks gents - I washed/polished/waxed the car using Autoglym products a week ago so I will have to try and time it again so it's as fresh as it can be, so the Autoglym rapid detailer could be a should.

Will Google the last product mentioned above and maybe combine that with a water spray for any thick bits of grub that build up.

[aeropilot]

This is what you want...brilliant stuff.

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/sham...

[996TT02]

5L water, sponge, bucket, chamois. Works without fail. Don't forget to soak the chamois before filthying the bucket water.

[Alex_225]

Depends how fussy you are about detailing and preventing swirls.

If you're not worried and just want it to look clean, then there's a fair few waterless products out there which will essentially clean the car with a spray and wipe over.

Alternatively, I have heard very good things about Optimum No Rinse which is meant to be safe on paintwork. Worth looking into OP.

[scratcher_]

Optimum No Rinse is a fantastic product.
It's all I used on my own car for a good while, the time it can save is brilliant.
There's some good videos on YouTube that show how to use it.

If you'd like something that you can pop to the shop and buy, Maguires Wash & Wax Anywhere is pretty good for a wipe down.
Just use a few towels and you'll be good to go.

[PhantomPH]

Thanks all - that's given me a few things to look at, for sure!

[AshBurrows]

I quite like the poorboys quick detailer.